Went to see the bike. 157 miles later, here she is..Previous owner had gassed her up the day before...after above mileage ridden home, she still isn't on reserve. When traffic was light, I kept her at 58-62 indicated. Never heavy on the throttle.

Went in the garage this morning to take off the useless bar end mirror and re-install the stock mirrors..started the bike and it's smoking like a worn out Tecumseh WTF? sudden exhaust leaks at the head and muffler joint..closer inspection looks like pipe flange at head has some sort of sealer over an apparent crack..I guess the fun IS beginning.

It sounds like your engine wet sumped. Basically, if you leave your piston at the bottom of the cylinder when you park it, it will fill up with oil causing massive smoke on start up and eventually clearing out over a few minutes. To avoid this, make sure to move your piston to TDC with the kick starter after you have shut the bike down for the day, or if it's going to be sitting more than a few hours. To do this, very slowly bring the piston up with the kick starter until it starts to build compression, move it just a little bit further and you should be good to go.

Did it just smoke white until warmed up or did it continue to smoke? What color? Mine smokes white first thing as it burns off moisture from the night condensation. Just a minute or less.

Sounds like you need to check for those exhaust leaks. No big deal. The sealant was prob used to seal pipe-header joint. Check for leaks with smoke from a match or a cigarette. All normal stuff with an Electra

« Last Edit: May 20, 2013, 10:07:09 pm by DanB »

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Suppose I were an idiot, and suppose I were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself. ... Mark Twain2006 AVL Electra

I'd first check the engine breather hoses and catch can. Clear those up, as if these are blocked your crank case pressure can get high and dislodge rings. This might have happened as oil is clearly burning in the chamber. Do you have Snidals manual? If not, suggest you get it.

Watch the oil level. These bikes don't like the full factory specs of 2.25. I use 1.75 and if needed top up a little bit. Too much oil will try to blow through the breather system. If its blocked....

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Suppose I were an idiot, and suppose I were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself. ... Mark Twain2006 AVL Electra